The Sinking Ship, The Grand Applause Lyrics - The Paper Chase

Grandfather burned up to ash and returned to the earth which spawned 

This nefarious prank that's controlled by the length of his arms 

And the kindred is gathered by coffin and chaplain on his behalf 

And a discreet tender man clears his throat, waves his hand following a laugh 

And the band plays on 

Like a fat baby's birth like a cry and curse at the breathing space 

While the mother rejoices ten fingers ten toes and a handsome face 

And the family is gasping each one can't help asking, "How was it my dear?" 

Like a scorn for the born that was torn 

And deformed for the next cruel years 

And the band plays on 

So I'll cut you all open and see what's inside you or what's missing 

While this virgin your daughter skirt down the altar 

She don't owe you a goddamn thing 

Cause she's gorgeous I'll take her to the house by the lake where I write her a song 

While you fat pigs with call-girls 

They dance in the ballrooms shaking their wallets at god 

And the notes fill the pages as I scramble to paste up my bleeding heart 

And this sick song moves on if you're lucky lifelong you can sing a part 

As it falls apart